Trajan’s Bridge, Chaves
Chaves, Portugal
A Roman bridge of the early 2nd century still carrying pedestrians over the Tâmega, with two inscribed Roman columns. Park by the river; the Roman baths museum is close by.
The Roman bridge at Chaves, also called the Ponte de Trajano, crosses the Tâmega and was built around AD 100 under Emperor Trajan. It is about 140 m long and 8.9 m wide. The number of arches is given as anywhere from 12 to 16 depending on the count; Wikipedia describes 16 visible ones, while older accounts give fewer. Two stone columns carry inscriptions: one is dedicated to the emperors Vespasian and Titus, the other names Trajan and records that the people of Aquae Flaviae, Roman Chaves, built the bridge at their own expense. In 1514 King Manuel I included it in the town's coat of arms.
Today the bridge is a pleasant place for a car-free stroll; a short visit of half an hour is usually enough. Combine it with a wander through the old town of Chaves and the park by the hot springs.
- Nearest town
- Chaves, Portugal
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 41.7373, -7.4717
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Portugal: Electronic tolls by number plate. Some motorways only have electronic tolls; register your plate or rent a transponder. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Motorhome stopover · ChavesMotorhome stopover0 km from Trajan’s Bridge, ChavesMotorhomes
- Parque de Campismo Quinta do RebentãoCampsite5 km from Trajan’s Bridge, ChavesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Parque de Campismo Virgílio António de MirandaCampsite16 km from Trajan’s Bridge, ChavesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Motorhome stopover · VinhaisMotorhome stopover22 km from Trajan’s Bridge, ChavesMotorhomes
- Parque de Campismo do RabaçalCampsite22 km from Trajan’s Bridge, Chaves
All campsites in Portugal · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Trajan’s Bridge, Chaves?
Trajan’s Bridge, Chaves is in Chaves, Portugal, at GPS 41.7373, -7.4717. It is about 17 km from Boticas.
Can you camp near Trajan’s Bridge, Chaves?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Parque de Campismo Quinta do Rebentão, about 5 km away; within 25 km there are 5 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Trajan’s Bridge, Chaves?
Trajan’s Bridge, Chaves is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Trás-os-Montes: Portugal’s remote north-east.
What is there to see near Trajan’s Bridge, Chaves?
Places worth a stop nearby: Mateus Palace (53 km), Peneda-Gerês National Park (57 km), Miradouro de Casal de Loivos (60 km) and Bragança Castle (60 km).
When is the best time to visit Trajan’s Bridge, Chaves?
The most pleasant months are usually April–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)